Investigating officer PC Mark Holt, said: “Garbacki had recently lost his job; it seems that sparked a prolonged drinking session that ultimately led him to start what could have been a devastating fire by lighting the barbecue indoors.

“It could be argued he acted irrationally due to alcohol – however, he tore down all the fire alarms inside the property so the smoke wouldn’t activate them and alert neighbours or passers-by.

“The fire caused a significant amount of damage and burned a large hole in the floor and joists. It’s a terraced house so the blaze could easily have spread to adjoining homes - it’s lucky no-one was injured or killed.”

Garbacki was left alone in the house on Monday, June 10, after his sister – with whom he was staying – left for work.

He decided to cook sausages on a throwaway barbecue in the living room and, in frustration at the length of time it took to heat up, threw lighter fluid over the tray and then an assortment of wooden items.

His sister returned home to find three fire-damaged internal doors and the shattered fire alarms scattered in the back garden.

She alerted police and the fire service. Garbacki, a former builder, was found by officers in nearby Lea Road.

PC Holt added: “Three years is a strong sentence for this type of offence. It recognises what could have happened as a result of Garbacki’s reckless actions.”